## Michigan Must Fix Its System of Psychiatric Care Oversight
Recent findings from teh Office of the Attorney General (OAG) paint a disturbing picture of systemic failures within Michigan’s oversight of state-run psychiatric facilities. The report reveals important delays and deficiencies in the Office of Recipient Rights (ORR)’s handling of complaints alleging abuse, neglect, serious injury, or even death of patients under state care. These failures betray a sacred trust and demand immediate, comprehensive action.
The OAG report highlights a pattern of delayed investigations. Over 30% of sampled complaints alleging serious harm were not initiated “promptly” - defined in ORR training materials as within 24 hours of receipt. Moreover, nearly 40% of investigations suffered from late or incomplete status reports, hindering effective tracking and resolution.Almost 20% of completed investigations were not finalized in a timely manner, with nearly 30% exceeding the 90-day timeframe mandated by Michigan’s Mental Health Code, averaging just under six months for completion. In some cases, investigations stretched for nearly 14 months.
Compounding these delays, the OAG discovered that crucial evidence was frequently enough unavailable. Nearly half of the reviewed cases involved non-functioning video or audio recording equipment, wich coudl have provided vital clarity in over 40% of the investigations.
These findings are particularly heartbreaking when considered alongside the experiences shared by past patients and families connected to facilities like the former Hawthorn Center, who describe feeling abandoned by the very system designed to protect them.
The state has a essential duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals in its psychiatric care. The current situation demonstrates a clear need for increased oversight and accountability within the MDHHS and the ORR.
To address these critical issues, legislation has been introduced to strengthen patient rights and improve oversight of state-run psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, legislative hearings have been demanded to thoroughly examine the ongoing problems within these facilities.
Michigan residents deserve state hospitals that prioritize healing and safety, and the ORR must function as a robust advocate for patients, not a passive observer. Oversight and accountability are not optional; thay are a fundamental obligation to every patient and family who entrusts their care to the state.
